Drum

Object name: Drum

Date: 1800-1850

Dimensions:

470 x 310 mm

Medium: Wood, hide

Object number: C04770

DescriptionAsante squeeze drum or 'talking drum'. The drum is held under the arm. Squeezing the cords changes the pitch, producing a range of tone and pitch that imitates spoken language. It was used to send messages over long distances and to announce the titles of dignitaries during ceremonies. It is still used at functions such as weddings today.

Culture: Ashante, or Asante, Ghanaian, Africa